Will County Democratic Central Committee - News

A newly signed law that’ll more than double what Illinois jurors are paid while reducing the size of civil case juries is earning mixed reviews from criminal justice experts.

Gov. Pat Quinn signed the measure Friday that backers say could lead to more diverse juries and offset anticipated costs by cutting back jurors in all civil cases from 12 to 6. But some counties are concerned about picking up the tab and researchers and advocacy groups believe smaller juries mean less impartial verdicts.

To the measure’s sponsor – who was lobbied by the former Illinois Trial Lawyers Association president – raising juror stipends is a simple equation.

Local lawmakers will look for guidance from the Illinois Supreme Court after a judge’s decision Friday to strike down a law intended to fix the state pension crisis.

Sangamon County Circuit Court Judge John Belz ruled Friday the pension overhaul was unconstitutional. In the same afternoon, the Illinois State’s Attorney’s Office announced plans to immediately appeal the decision to the state Supreme Court.

Between guns, gays and grass—not to mention pension reform—Illinois lawmakers have faced a lot of tough votes since the last election. Extending the temporary income tax hike may be one too many.

While the tax question has loomed over the General Assembly all year, only House Speaker Michael Madigan's legendary last-minute dealmaking abilities are keeping it alive. Meanwhile, his caucus has soundly rejected a doomsday budget calling for billions of dollars in cuts to grapple with the loss of revenue if income tax rates roll back next year.